New Year, New Attitude, Great Skin

I’ve had a few weeks to consider my to-do list for 2014. Some framethis exercise as setting resolutions, others prefer the word goal. While I certainly have personal and professional goals, I’m setting my intention for how I want to approach this year. The power of positive thinking (and doing!) I’ve had a great few months teaming with Kohl’s Beauty and for our final collaboration, I thought it would be fun to film a video message. The twist? I’m not wearing any makeup. A top ‘to-do’ for me this year is to be confident in everything I do. Certainly, cozying up on camera in my most natural state is a step. It’s something I likely wouldn’t have done a few years ago, but I’ve made it a priority to focus on my skin and treat it well. If you know me or visit here often, you know I take my masking and moisturizing quite seriously. My Sunday spa-days at home are more than a routine, but rather a ritual I rely on for clarity on every level.

No makeup, no problem!

Mixed in with the big picture approach to my 2014 to-do list (smile! laugh! be happy!) is a very tactical ‘wash your face every night.’ On a basic level, it’s the first step in proper skin care. On another level, there’s something very therapeutic at the end of a busy day to wash it all off. To get rid of the day’s stress and allow your skin to heal itself and recoup while you sleep. So, with that, a few tips to get you going.

I’ve used a cleansing brush for years – love it, especially when traveling! Kohl’s sells a version from Dermatouch that helps remove makeup and exfoliate skin.

Always remove your eye makeup before washing your face. H2O Plus has a gentle version. If I’m wearing heavy eyeliner, I follow up with a q-tip along my lashes to get it all. I hate waking up with black smears!

The double wash was a game-changer for me. Using an oil cleanser first to break down face makeup is the best way to really clean out your pores without stripping your natural oils (which leads to breakouts). Consider this option from PurMinerals.

Try a good old fashioned facial steam. Pour boiling water in a glass bowl and hover your face (safely) over the bowl. Bonus points if you first steep a bag of green tea for a blast of antioxidants. Follow-up with a detox mask and a moisturizing balm.

Cheers to good skin and a positive 2014!

Note: This post is sponsored by SheKnows Experts Among Us and Kohl’s Beauty. All opinions, tips and recommendations are my own.

Umm I’m totally jealous… You look AMAZING without makeup! I also have the same goals as you for 2014 (I totally hate the word “resolution”… It kiiinda has a negative connotation to it since resolutions are constantly being broken, ya know?). Do review any facial steams if you try any! I’ve been seeing some available on BeauTeaBar, and am curious if they really work or not!Brianna recently posted…The Golden Globes Were Last Night & It Was Everything I Dreamed Of + More

Brianna, you are so sweet! I really really wanted to throw some blush on, but resisted the urge for the sake of my mission! 🙂 I’ve tried La Bella Figura’s facial teas and love them. I think there is something to having the right combo of herbs but I sometimes just use hot water and a regular green tea bag I have. It’s a lovely ritual!